Every year on a wintery day in late December or early January, birders across the country sally forth to count birds and contribute their sightings to the oldest continuously running citizen science project in the world. Now in its 122nd year, the Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is a time honored tradition coordinated by National Audubon Society. No matter the weather, our collective search for avian life contributes critical long-term data to bird conservation and generates memories and camaraderie that lasts for years. To learn more about the Christmas Bird Count, its history, and how our data is used to conserve birds, check out the recording of our recent Birds & Bytes episode on the topic and visit www.ChristmasBirdCount.org.

The CBC is well represented by more than a dozen such counts in the greater Chicagoland area. While most birders have one count that becomes their annual tradition, many will participate in more than one, or even all! But with so many options to choose from, where does one start? We’ve got you covered! We reached out to the compilers of the nearest 9 CBCs to get the important details and listed them below.

All CBCs require advance registration so be sure to plan ahead and reach out to the respective compilers soon! Please also note that some counts are not seeking additional volunteers for a variety of factors such as already full ranks or continuing COVID concerns. We’ve included those counts as well for informational purposes.

Lisle-Arboretum
Sunday, December 19
Accepting volunteers: YES
We might be a little biased, but the COS sponsored Lisle CBC is one of a kind! Join us for one of the most active counts in Chicagoland followed by our (virtual, this year) countdown dinner where we tally up and celebrate our endeavors.
More info: https://www.chicagobirder.org/events/2021/12/19/lisle-christmas-bird-count

Fermilab-Batavia
Saturday, December 18
Accepting volunteers: no
More info: https://dupagebirding.org/event/christmas-bird-count-fermilab-circle-3/

Calumet-Sand Ridge
Saturday, December 18
Accepting volunteers: YES
More info: https://www.chicagobirder.org/events/2021/12/18/calumet-christmas-bird-count

Chicago Urban
Sunday, December 19
Accepting volunteers: YES
This count is nearing capacity, but help is still needed along the south branch of the Chicago river and North Park Village.
More info: https://www.chicagobirder.org/events/2021/12/19/chicago-christmas-bird-count